Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The evidence that Brett Favre will end his retirement to play for the Vikings in 2009 is overwhelming. In fact, the only surprise will be if the quarterback decides his surgically repaired right biceps tendon has not healed sufficiently enough for him to return to the NFL. There have been reports that Favre already has a contract in place with the Vikings and both Favre and the Vikings have made it clear in public comments that there is great interest on both sides. And then there is this latest nugget: Favre is in the process of attempting to secure a residence in the Twin Cities. We received a tip last night about Favre settling on a condominium in Edina but that doesn't appear to be a ..."

Favre Vikings jerseys aren't flying onto shelves

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July 3

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Any report of a mass-produced, league-approved Brett Favre Minnesota Vikings jersey is premature, an NFL spokesman said Thursday. "We wait until there is a player contract that has been approved; then we begin mass producing them," league spokesman Brian McCarthy said. "But nothing has transpired from here." First, a signed Favre contract with the Vikings would have to be delivered to the league and players union. Then, the league and union would have to approve any mass-produced official NFL jersey by Reebok. It is believed that Reebok already has prepared screens of a Favre Vikings jersey, just as it would for the teams in the Super Bowl. That way, as soon as the league approves a ..."

Vikings coach lavishes praise on Brett Favre, says QB is 'pain-free'

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June 20

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings fans rooting for the team to sign Brett Favre got more reasons to cheer on Friday: Coach Brad Childress said Favre is "pain-free right now" during a radio interview in which he lavished praise on the future hall of fame quarterback. It was an important update on the status of Favre's surgically repaired arm. The widespread belief is that Favre will sign with the Vikings as long as his arm wouldn't prevent him from playing at a high level. Childress' effusive comments serve as the latest mounting evidence that the Vikings want the marriage to happen, and Favre appears more ready, at least physically, to walk down the aisle. "My understanding is that he is pain-free right now," ..."

Favre saga is unlikely to hit Vikings camp

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June 17

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"While Brett Favre gave the impression Monday that he's the one calling the shots when it comes to whether he plays for the Vikings this season, indications are that the team is going to want an answer from him about his future by the time training camp opens in late July. The retired quarterback ended his monthslong silence by admitting during an interview on HBO that he wants to play again, that the Vikings are the only team he's talking to and that if his arm heals from arthroscopic surgery his second retirement will end like his first: without him missing a regular-season game. The Vikings report to training camp July 29 and will begin practicing two days later. Players took a "you know ..."

Favre's Not Sure About Comeback

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June 16

New York Post

"Brett Favre still isn't sure if he's going to be playing for the Vikings this fall. Favre, a guest on the HBO premiere of "Joe Buck Live" last night, said his decision to come out of retirement again will be made primarily on how his arm feels following recent surgery on his right biceps tendon, which was performed by Dr. James Andrews. "I think first and foremost, you can't go past anything more than the arm," he said. "If it's not up to par when the time comes then I can't play. I went through it last year, but it affected me and the team. . . . I won't go through it again." Favre also defended himself against people who have criticized him for tarnishing his legacy because of the way he ..."

Trainer suggests shoulder exercises

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June 15

ESPN.com

"A Minnesota Vikings trainer visited Brett Favre on Sunday night in Mississippi to discuss exercises the quarterback can do to improve shoulder strength following arthroscopic surgery at the end of May, a source told ESPN's Ed Werder. Favre has been assessing the condition of his arm and whether he is interested in coming out of retirement for a second straight year following his release from the New York Jets. The Vikings aren't showing any public impatience with the NFL's all-time leading passer, even though Favre's annual waffling over his retirement continues to cloud preparations for the season. Training camp starts in six weeks."

Latest report has Vikings paying Favre a visit

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June 13

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings apparently will get a first-hand look this weekend at how Brett Favre's arm is recovering from arthroscopic surgery. ESPN reported Friday that a member of the Vikings coaching staff and an athletic trainer will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., to work with the retired quarterback. The network, citing a source, did not reveal the specific coach, but offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell has a close relationship with Favre, dating to their time together in Green Bay. The head trainer is Eric Sugarman. Favre reportedly had surgery to repair a partially torn biceps tendon two weeks ago. Childress told KFAN Radio this week that he's "anxious" to see Favre throw, but he has declined to ..."

Favre's arm may be stronger than his desire

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June 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre's agent said Friday he believes the quarterback's surgically repaired arm will be fine, but he's still not sure whether Favre wants to return to play football. The comments came after ESPN.com reported that, according to an unidentified source, a Vikings trainer and a member of the coaching staff will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., in a few days to work with Favre. The Vikings want to gauge the progress of Favre's throwing arm after he had arthroscopic surgery last month to repair a partially torn biceps tendon. Favre has started throwing footballs again, but apparently he's still uncertain whether he will be able to play this season. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, told West Virginia ..."

Vikings to work out Favre

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June 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"ESPN is reporting that a member of the Vikings coaching staff and a trainer will travel to Mississippi to work out Brett Favre, possibly this weekend. It does not cite its sources or which coach will conduct the workout. It seems likely that the coaching representative could be offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who has a close relationship with Favre, dating to their time together in Green Bay. The team's head athletic trainer is Eric Sugarman. Vikings coach Brad Childress acknowledged that the team wants to see Favre throw to see how much his right arm has healed after having arthroscopic surgery to repair a partially torn biceps tendon. Childress declined to speculate when that might ..."

Stay tuned: Childress cagey about most Favre questions

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June 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brad Childress acknowledged he made a phone call to Brett Favre last week, but the Vikings coach spent the better part of his nearly 12-minute press conference Thursday dancing around his team's interest in the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Peppered with Favre-related questions after his team's OTA workout, Childress offered mostly vague responses until finishing with a telling quote when asked if he thinks Favre can still be a "great" quarterback. "Don't know. Don't know. Stay tuned," he said. Despite Childress' best efforts to keep Favre-mania under wraps by reiterating that the 39-year-old quarterback is still retired, it appears almost inevitable that Favre will come out of ..."

Childress, Favre talked last week

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June 11

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brad Childress shed little light on the Brett Favre situation after his team completed an OTA practice today, but the Vikings coach did acknowledge that he talked to the retired quarterback last week. Childress would not comment on if Favre told him anything about the surgery he reportedly had to repair a partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing (right) arm. Childress said he made the call to Favre, who many expect to end his second attempt at retirement to play for the Vikings this season. A day after calling KFAN Radio and talking about the Favre situation, Childress did his best to dodge several questions on the topic. Childress told the station that "I'm anxious to see exactly what ..."

Childress denies Favre timetable

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June 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress has been coy about all things Favre. Yet he was adamant about one thing Wednesday morning: He did not impose a deadline on retired quarterback Brett Favre. "Absolutely not," Childress said on KFAN's "The Power Trip Morning Show" on Wednesday. "Maybe by Deanna (Favre) or somebody like that, but certainly not from me. Not even — not even close. (I) don't know where that dropped out of the sky from." ESPN reported Tuesday that the Vikings "at least temporarily suspended their pursuit" of Favre after he "failed to report to organized team activities," as "mandated" by Childress. When asked about a timetable for Favre, Childress said, "I don't know how you guys ..."

Former Cretin grad Ryan Harris says Brett Favre is 'something the game needs'

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June 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charlie Walters

"Last Nov. 30 in a steady rain in East Rutherford, N.J., the Denver Broncos ended New York Jets' five-game winning streak with a 34-17 victory. The Broncos' quarterback was Jay Cutler, now of the Chicago Bears. The Jets' QB was Brett Favre, who still could be headed to the Vikings despite a report that the team is suspending its pursuit of him. It was at that juncture of the NFL season, Week 13, that Favre's throwing arm apparently began showing the strain of a frayed biceps tendon. Favre completed 23 of 43 passes for 247 yards against Denver, didn't have a touchdown pass for just the third time that season, and threw one interception. Cutler was 27 for 43 for 357 yards with two TDs and ..."

Childress makes it clear Favre still on mind

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June 11

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brad Childress called a Twin Cities radio show Wednesday morning to refute a report he had given Brett Favre a deadline of this week to decide if he's going to play in 2009. But the Vikings coach also gave his most insightful comments about the team's level of interest in the retired quarterback. "My opinion is that [Favre] was a great player," Childress told KFAN. "He obviously had a setback last year. He was playing very well early. If in fact he's had that surgery, I'm anxious to see just exactly what he's got left in that cannon because he had a pretty good arm as we know." ESPN revealed Sunday that Favre had undergone an arthroscopic procedure on his throwing (right) arm to repair a ..."

Sources: Vikes back off Favre some

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June 10

ESPN.com

"The Minnesota Vikings have at least temporarily suspended their pursuit of Brett Favre after the retired quarterback failed to report to organized team activities that began Tuesday as head coach Brad Childress had mandated, according to team and league sources. The Vikings conveyed their decision in a phone call from vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski to Bus Cook, the agent who represents Favre. An eventual agreement returning Favre to the NFL for a 19th season, this in a Vikings purple uniform, remains possible. The quarterback was encouraged to continue rehabilitation following arthroscopic surgery performed two weeks ago to repair a partially torn biceps tendon. ..."

Vikings might - or might not - have issued a deadline for a decision from Brett Favre

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June 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Closure should be coming soon. Or is it? Vikings fans, players and coaches should know any day now whether Brett Favre will be wearing purple next season, according to a report on ESPN.com Monday. But Sirius NFL Radio reported later in the day that no deadline exists. ESPN.com reported, citing two unidentified sources, that Vikings coach Brad Childress has given Favre a deadline of this week to decide if the veteran will unretire and try to play for the Vikings. But Favre is reluctant to make a decision, according to the report, until he is more confident that the arthroscopic surgery he had last month on his throwing arm was successful in fixing the problems caused by a torn biceps ..."

A possible Brett Favre signing could be holding up Antoine Winfield extension

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June 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"A Brett Favre signing by the Minnesota Vikings is expected to cost the team at least $10 million in guaranteed money. Earmarking that money for Favre might be the reason the Vikings and Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield haven't reached a contract extension. Meanwhile, Vikings single-game tickets aren't expected to go on sale for another month. It'll be interesting, if Favre ends up with the Vikings, whether buyers for the Monday night game on Oct. 5 against the Packers at the Metrodome will be required to also buy at least one exhibition game. Regardless, ticket brokers are expected to buy as many seats for that game as possible. The Pioneer Press reported three weeks ago that Favre was ..."

Brett Favre to Vikings? His family's ready, with hotel rooms for Nov. 1 game here

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June 9

Green Bay Press Gazette

"If Brett Favre signs to play quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the next week or two, his family and friends will be ready for his one game back in Green Bay. About two months ago, a member of Favre's inner circle blocked off 25 to 30 rooms at the Midway Motor Lodge near Lambeau Field for the weekend of the Vikings game against the Packers on Nov. 1. Favre appears ready to sign with the Vikings relatively soon, contingent upon his throwing arm's progress after recently having surgery on his injured shoulder. But friends and family members have been preparing for a while for his possible signing with the Vikings. "They called and said if he goes to Minnesota they definitely want to be ..."

Reports make Favre saga no less muddy

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June 9

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Could the Brett Favre-to-the-Vikings saga finally be nearing an end? The answer to that question depended on whom you listened to Monday. And, no, neither the Vikings nor the Favre camp were talking -- at least on the record. ESPN reported Monday morning that coach Brad Childress has imposed a deadline of this week for the quarterback to decide whether he will end his second attempt at retirement and play for the Vikings in 2009. Chris Mortensen and Ed Werder cited two sources in their story for the all-sports network. Later in the day, Pat Kirwan of Sirius NFL Radio said on his "Movin' the Chains" show that there is no deadline for Favre and that "the [ESPN] story was made up," adding, ..."

Vikings give Favre a deadline to decide

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June 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings coach Brad Childress has imposed a deadline of this week for Brett Favre to decide whether he will be the team's quarterback for the 2009 season, according to ESPN.com. ESPN writers Chris Mortensen and Ed Werder cited two sources. The ESPN report said Favre is apparently reluctant to commit to playing without first being more confident the arthroscopic surgery performed recently on his throwing shoulder has succeeded in eliminating all of the problems related to a torn biceps tendon. Favre, who turns 40 in October, announced his retirement in February and was released from the New York Jets reserve/retired list on April 28, setting off speculation that he would join the Vikings. ..."

Sources: Favre given deadline by coach

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June 8

ESPN.com

"Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress has imposed a deadline of this week for Brett Favre to decide whether he will be the team's quarterback for the upcoming season, according to two sources. Favre, however, is apparently reluctant to commit to playing a 19th NFL season without first being more confident the arthroscopic surgery performed recently on his throwing shoulder has succeeded in eliminating all of the problems related to a torn biceps tendon. It would seem reasonable that both Favre and the Vikings want to know his shoulder is healthy before reaching an agreement, and the team is virtually certain to insist on seeing the 39-year-old quarterback throw before any contract is ..."

Report: Brett Favre recently had arthroscopic surgery on right shoulder

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June 8

New York Daily News

"Brett Favre said he retired from the Jets largely because he was unwilling to have surgery on his injured throwing arm. Apparently Favre no longer wants to stay retired. Two sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Ed Werder that the former Jets quarterback recently had arthroscopic surgery on the partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm that plagued him at the end of last season. Favre has not committed to playing because his throwing shoulder is not fully healed. Favre reportedly had surgery sometime last month. If his shoulder shows significant improvement, he is expected to join the Vikings. Bus Cook, Favre's agent, did not confirm or deny the surgery. "That's a ..."

Winfield's absence continues at OTAs

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June 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield was not in attendance Tuesday as the Vikings began their latest round of practices that are part of Organized Team Activities, according to people with knowledge of the situation. Winfield's absence came after he missed the team's mandatory three-day minicamp last weekend because he was attending the funeral for a mother of a close friend, according to coach Brad Childress. Winfield's decision to stay away from Winter Park also could be tied into the fact he is entering the last season of his contract and negotiations on an extension broke down early last month. The OTA practices are not mandatory, but many veterans do attend when their presence is ..."

Lawyers joust over suspension of Williamses

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June 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A Hennepin County judge said Tuesday he would rule promptly on whether Vikings stars Kevin and Pat Williams should be allowed to play while their federal case involving use of a banned substance works it way through appeals. The two defensive linemen didn't attend a contentious one-hour hearing before Hennepin County District Court Judge Gary Larson. The Williamses want to be able to continue to play football while the NFL wants the players to serve out their suspensions. The issue of whether the two stars can play in games remains unresolved for now. Both sides will submit legal memos to Larson by the time he returns from a 12-day vacation on June 22. The judge said he will then decide ..."

Winfield missing as Vikings hold minicamp

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May 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress said Antoine Winfield didn't attend the start of the team's mandatory three-day minicamp Friday because the veteran cornerback plans to attend the funeral of a close friend's mother. Childress declined to say whether Winfield's absence is excused or whether he will be disciplined. Winfield is expected to miss the rest of the minicamp. The funeral is today. "We kind of deal with that internally," Childress said. Winfield's absence could be an indication he's not happy with the lack of a contract extension. He is entering the final season of a six-year contract and is seeking a new deal. His agent, Ashanti Webb, said this month that talks for an extension had ..."

Coach defends Tarvaris Jackson's work ethic

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May 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress defended Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson's work ethic, Childress said Friday, is beyond reproach. Childress wanted to "set the record straight" during his opening comments Friday after the start of a three-day minicamp. "Tarvaris Jackson is one of the hardest-working guys you're going to find on this 85-man roster right now," Childress said. "Just in terms of the time he spends here, the time he spends in the books, with the wide receivers, in the weight room, strength and conditioning ... there are very few people who work as hard as he does in the offseason." It's an odd situation, no doubt, for Childress to have to defend his quarterback in the wake of comments ..."

Lawyer for Vikings star believes state laws trump NFL rules

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May 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings stars Pat Williams and Kevin Williams are going back to where they got their first victory: Hennepin County District Court. After suffering a setback in federal court, the Williamses must hope that a Hennepin County District judge will rule in their favor on a lawsuit that seeks to overturn their suspensions by the National Football League. U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson ruled Friday that the NFL did not violate public policy or the collective bargaining agreement in suspending the players four games for testing positive for a banned diuretic contained in StarCaps, an over-the-counter supplement. Magnuson threw out most of the Williamses' claims. He also dismissed a ..."

Williamses dealt setback

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May 23

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"A federal judge has dismissed most of the claims by Vikings stars Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, who are facing suspensions over their positive test for a banned diuretic. Although the NFL issued a statement late Friday night stating that the Williamses had been suspended, the attorney for the defensive tackles said that's incorrect and that there has been no full resolution to the case with regard to the Williamses. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson on Friday remanded two of the claims by the Williamses to state court. But he threw out most of the Williamses' claims and dismissed a lawsuit brought by the NFL players union on behalf of the Williamses and three New Orleans Saints ..."

Childress talks Favre ... kind of and sort of

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May 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brad Childress had numerous opportunities Thursday to end the ongoing speculation that Brett Favre will wind up in Minnesota. The Vikings coach did no such thing. Nearly three weeks after last addressing a topic that gained plenty of steam in the days thereafter, Childress remained vague when discussing the status of the currently retired quarterback. "You're always interested in investigating," Childress said. "I'll stand by what I said last time [he met with the media on May 1]. That you discuss it, you're interested in going through the process. And are you interested in a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback? You're always interested in going through the process and discussing it and ..."

Is IR system in line for a change?

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May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

NFL commissioner on Brett Favre: 'I don't know if he officially retired'

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May 20

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seemed unsure about quarterback Brett Favre's situation. Goodell said Tuesday at the league meetings in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., that he wasn't certain if the former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets starter turned in his retirement papers. Discussions of a Favre return, potentially with the Vikings, have been hot in recent days. "I don't know if he officially retired," Goodell said. There was no indication whether Favre showed up for his scheduled meeting Tuesday with noted orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., about surgery to repair a partially torn biceps tendon in his right shoulder. Favre missed a scheduled appointment with Andrews last ..."

Favre's future unclear

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May 20

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"It turns out surgery is not an option after all - at least not at this moment - in the mind of Brett Favre. Contrary to a report on Monday out of Minnesota that said Favre was on his way to Alabama for surgery on his partially torn biceps tendon, Favre apparently would like to continue trying every nonsurgical method to correct the arm instead. ESPN countered the surgery report Tuesday with its own story that said surgery was not imminent. Rather, Favre would turn to cortisone injections and biceps curls or light throwing in an attempt to tear the tendon completely in an effort to eliminate the pain. Now, once again, Favre's future is, at least publicly, uncertain. ESPN also reported that ..."

Source: Favre doesn't want surgery

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May 19

ESPN.com

"Contrary to reports, Brett Favre does not have an appointment with Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday and doesn't consider surgery on his partially torn biceps tendon to be imminent, according to a source. Favre discussed surgical and non-surgical options with Andrews last week, as ESPN has reported. Citing unnamed sources, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that Favre was to meet with Andrews on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, to discuss surgery on his throwing shoulder and that the procedure was expected to be performed later this week. Favre, however, remains focused on non-surgical options, including cortisone injections and natural movements like light throwing and bicep curls that might ..."

Favre may have surgery soon

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May 19

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The desire to play might just be stronger than the disdain for surgery after all. Quarterback Brett Favre is scheduled to meet with well-known orthopedist surgeon James Andrews Tuesday to discuss repairing the partially torn biceps tendon in his right shoulder, according to the latest report on Favre's offseason. The St. Paul Pioneer Press, quoting an unnamed source, also added that the surgery could take place as soon as this week. Surgery for Favre, a free agent after his release from the New York Jets, could be the first major step in his becoming the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings. As of Monday night, the report had not been confirmed by other media outlets, and Favre's agent, ..."

Brett Favre scheduled to meet with orthopedist about surgery, opening path to Minnesota Vikings

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May 18

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Free-agent quarterback Brett Favre is scheduled to meet Tuesday with noted orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., about surgery to repair a partially torn biceps tendon in his right shoulder, the Pioneer Press has learned. Surgery to release the tendon is considered routine and is expected to be performed by Andrews later this week. Rehabilitation for Favre would be six to eight weeks. If it goes well, Farve, who will turn 40 in October, is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Favre missed a scheduled appointment with Andrews last week. The torn biceps tendon is one of several sources of pain in Favre's shoulder, but could be the most correctable. If cutting the biceps ..."

Favre discusses options with top surgeon

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May 18

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Brett Favre saga took another turn Thursday night when ESPN reported that the retired quarterback has consulted with noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews about his options regarding the partially torn biceps tendon in his right shoulder. Favre's willingness to explore his options serves as more evidence that he is seriously considering coming out of his second retirement to play for the Vikings next season. Favre's arm injury severely affected his play down the stretch for the New York Jets last season. Citing an unnamed source, ESPN reported that Andrews and Favre experimented with one of several exercises that could "accelerate the process of the tendon releasing on its own." ..."

Cook: 'Absolutely no substance' to Brett Favre speculation

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May 18

USA Today

"Bus Cook, the agent for retired quarterback Brett Favre, said this weekend "there's absolutely no substance to all the speculation" surrounding the veteran quarterback's un-retirement.ESPN reported on Friday that Favre consulted Dr. James Andrews about options for healing the partially torn biceps tendon in his right, throwing arm. The network did not cite a source. Cook said he couldn't discuss the validity of the report, or lack thereof, even if he wanted to. "I can't talk about that stuff without (Favre's) written permission," he said. Favre announced his retirement for the second time in February. The New York Jets then released him in April. last month. Minnesota Vikings president ..."

Vikings QB Sage Rosenfels has little to say about Brett Favre

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May 18

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings quarterback Sage Rosenfels broke his silence on the team's interest in Brett Favre. But Rosenfels didn't have much to say about the courtship. "It doesn't make any sense to comment on something that hasn't happened," Rosenfels, a native of Maquoketa, Iowa, told the Des Moines Register. The Vikings acquired Rosenfels in a trade with the Houston Texans in February. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, told the Hattiesburg (Miss.) American in a story published Sunday that "there's absolutely no substance to all the speculation" about his client coming out of retirement to play for the Vikings. "I can't talk about that stuff without (Favre's) written permission," Cook said. Favre retired for the ..."

Brett Favre would need minor shoulder surgery at worst, specialist says

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May 16

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"A shoulder specialist at one of the nation's top hospitals for orthopedics said the presumed injury to quarterback Brett Favre's throwing arm shouldn't prevent him from playing again. "This is a relatively good problem to have, if you're going to have a shoulder problem," said Dr. David Altchek, the co-chief of the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. "The pain could go away, or (the problem tendon) could tear by itself. "Worst-case scenario, he would have to have minor surgery," said Altchek, emphasizing that he was providing insight based on the numerous reports about Favre's biceps/shoulder injury. "Otherwise, (the Vikings) should be in ..."

Vikings' Favre talks might impact Winfield deal

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May 16

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The timing of the impasse of the Minnesota Vikings' contract extension talks with Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield is becoming curious. The Vikings might be waiting to see if they can sign quarterback Brett Favre, 39, who could cost as much as $10 million this year, before deciding whether to sign Winfield, 31, who can become an unrestricted free agent next year and could cost almost $14 million over two years."

Mark Wilf confirms Vikings interest in Favre

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May 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings president and co-owner Mark Wilf confirmed the team's interest in Brett Favre but insisted that their evaluation of the future Hall of Fame quarterback was a part of their protocol. "Certainly a player of Brett Favre's (credentials), a Hall of Fame quarterback, with the competitive he has, that is a player that we would have interest as we would have other players," Wilf said. "But, again, its process of evaluation and a variety of factors that go into it and that has to play itself out and I defer to our coach and our personnel people to really evaluate those issues." Wilf said he and the ownership group entrusted such decisions to head coach Brad Childress and player personnel ..."

Friends, family of No. 4 know it's Favre from over

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May 10

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre's brother Jeff stopped at a horse show on Thursday to visit family friend Steve Haas, right after Haas heard that the town's favorite son had decided not to end his months-old retirement to play for the Minnesota Vikings. "I told Jeff, 'I guess we're not going to watch the Vikings play in Lambeau Field this year,'" Haas said. "Jeff just said, 'Oh, it's early yet.' "That's what I think, too. For Brett, it's early yet." For Favre, it's never too late to change your mind about retiring. Last week, media reports indicated the future Hall of Fame quarterback and former Green Bay icon might sign with the Vikings, that head coach Brad Childress planned to fly to Mississippi to meet ..."

It's time to forget Favre

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May 10

Denver Post

columnist Mike Klis

"Once his marketing deal with Wrangler expires, Brett Favre should endorse Eggos. Lord Favre has become The Great Waffler. Or maybe his product should be not Eggo but Lego. Hey, Brett: Stop pulling my Legos! Maybe you'd laugh if you weren't so numb to the twisting twilight of Favre's career. At least nobody's crying anymore. Even Favre has spared us the tears. In one sense, Favre's possible return to the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings this year would make more sense than his unretirement last year with the New York Jets. Vikings coach Brad Childress is a generation removed from Mike Holmgren, who is only the man responsible for developing the Favre legend in Green Bay. Childress runs the ..."

If Brett Favre can pass a medical test, he still might be willing to pass for the Vikings

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May 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre might wear purple, after all. ESPN reported Friday that, according to a source, Favre had X-rays of his right shoulder sent to the Vikings for evaluation. The Vikings received the X-rays on Thursday and are evaluating them, according to the report. If Favre needs major surgery, he would not return to play this season, but if it's anything less than that, he would sign with the Vikings. The health of his throwing arm has been one of the biggest questions surrounding Favre's possible return to play for the Vikings. Favre has a partially torn biceps tendon. The extent of that injury and the treatment or surgery could determine his future. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, told ESPN he's ..."

X-rays are newest element in Favre saga

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May 9

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"This can't be serious, right? A day after Yahoo! Sports reported that Brett Favre had told Vikings coach Brad Childress he was going to remain retired, ESPN broke a story that the quarterback still could end up with the Vikings. A source that ESPN described as being close to the situation said that X-rays of Favre's right shoulder have been sent to the Vikings and that they are in the process of being evaluated. The issue is the partially torn biceps tendon in Favre's throwing shoulder. If he and the team determine that he needs anything less than "major" surgery on his shoulder, Favre will play this season for the Vikings. But if he needs "major" surgery he won't come out of retirement. ..."

X-rays could have negative impact with Favre

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May 9

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Just when it appeared a sustainable peace was at hand in Packers Nation, the alert status has once again been raised to Defcon Favre. Yes, an invasion by quarterback Brett Favre, in the enemy colors of the Minnesota Vikings no less, could be imminent - if the latest report in a string of conflicting accounts is correct. Each day seemingly brings a new twist and turn to the story. And each word either brings Green Bay fans, loathe to see Favre consort with the hated Vikings, out of their seats or hiding their eyes. In other words, it's playing out exactly like one of Favre's infamous seat-belt buckling starts. Citing a source close to the situation, ESPN's Jeremy Schaap reported Friday that ..."

Veteran LB visits Steelers

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May 9

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Linebacker Napoleon Harris, a first-round draft choice in 2002, spent today visiting the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent from the Minnesota Vikings. Harris' visit came three days after the Steelers released starting inside linebacker Larry Foote at his request. Foote signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday. Harris, 30, played for Mike Tomlin when he was Minnesota's defensive coordinator in 2006. The Oakland Raiders drafted Harris of Northwestern in the first round in 2002, then traded him to Minnesota in 2005 as part of a deal that sent receiver Randy Moss to Oakland from the Vikings. Harris signed as a free agent with Kansas City in 2007 and returned to ..."

Favre staying retired (for now)

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May 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Apparently Brett Favre will remain retired -- for now. Two days after reports surfaced that Vikings coach Brad Childress was going to meet with the future Hall of Fame quarterback, Favre reportedly told Childress he isn't going to end his second retirement to play in Minnesota. Yahoo! Sports, which first reported the story Thursday, cited a source close to the team as saying Favre delivered the news in a call that took place "sometime in the last day." The call apparently is what caused Childress to cancel a trip to discuss the situation with Favre. Bus Cook, Favre's agent, told ESPN that Favre "is retired" and he doesn't know of any phone conversation or meeting with Childress. "Like ..."

Sharper: Favre fits Vikings

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May 7

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

columnist Bob Wolfley

"Safety Darren Sharper knows exactly what it is like leaving the Green Bay Packers to play for the Minnesota Vikings. In March, Sharper joined the New Orleans Saints as an unrestricted free agent. He played the last four seasons in Minnesota and before that eight seasons in Green Bay. Sharper said the backlash coming Brett Favre's way from Packers fans, if he does wind up playing for the Vikings, will be exponentially greater. "He's not going to want to answer any fan mail," Sharper told Sirius NFL Radio on Wednesday. "He's not going to want to look at any Web sites or blogs because the way I took a beating when I left Green Bay and headed to Minnesota. To think of Brett Favre, a legend for ..."

Vikings Trade Rumors